Understanding Georgian Currency: A Traveler's Guide

Introduction to the Georgian Lari

Travelers visiting Georgia will encounter the Georgian Lari, the country's official currency. Understanding the basics of the Lari will help you navigate your trip with ease. The currency code for the Lari is GEL, and the symbol is ₾.

The Lari is divided into 100 tetri. Both coins and banknotes are used in daily transactions. Coins are available in denominations ranging from 1 tetri to 2 Lari, while banknotes range from 5 to 200 Lari.

The name lari is an old Georgian word denoting a hoard, property, while tetri is an old Georgian monetary term (meaning 'white') used in ancient Colchis from the 6th century BC.

Front side
Portrait of the great Georgian scientist and public figure Ivane Javakhishvili with the inscription "Ivane Javakhishvili 1876-1940";
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University building;
Denomination numbers, inscriptions: "National Bank of Georgia", "NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA", "Five GEL", "FIVE LARI", "President of the National Bank", Signature of the President of the National Bank of Georgia, Year of issue - "2017", A serial number consisting of two Latin letters and eight Arabic numerals.

Front side
The portrait of famous Georgian writer and public figure Akaki Tsereteli with lettering of his name in Georgian "აკაკი წერეთელი 1840-1915"; the excerpt from Akaki’s poem "Spring" with his autograph, the flourished branch and the swallow. The denomination numerals, letterings in Georgian and in English: "საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი", "NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA", "ათი ლარი", "TEN LARI", "ეროვნული ბანკის პრეზიდენტი", the signature of the governor of National Bank of Georgia, the year of issue "2019", the serial number composed of two Roman letters and eight Arabic numerals.

Front side
The portrait of the great Georgian writer and public figure Ilia Chavchavadze with lettering of his name in Georgian“ილია ჭავჭავაძე 1837-1907”;
The newspaper “Iveria” publishing-house;
The magazine “Sakartvelos Moambe” and newspaper “Iveria” established by Ilia, Ilia’s signature and his personal things – the lens, watch, pen and inkpot;
The denomination numerals, letterings in Georgian and in English: “საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი”, “NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA”, “ოცი ლარი“, “Twenty Lari”, “ეროვნული ბანკის პრეზიდენტი”, The signature of the president of National Bank of Georgia, The issue date “2016”,The serial number composed of two Roman letters and eight Arabic numerals.

Front side
The portrait of Georgian King Tamar with lettering in Georgian "თამარ მეფე XII ს."; XII-XIII century monasterial complex in cave Vardzia; The bas-relief from Pitareti Virgin Mari Monastery of XIII century; The denomination numerals, letterings in Georgian and in English "საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი", "NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA", "ორმოცდაათი ლარი", "FIFTY LARI", "ეროვნული ბანკის პრეზიდენტი",The signature of the president of National Bank of Georgia, the issue date "2016",The serial number composed of two Roman letters and eight Arabic numeral.

Front side
The portrait of the great Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli with lettering in Georgian "შოთა რუსთაველი XII ს."; The illustration from the great poem "The Knight in the Tiger Skin", the one of the pages of its original prints and the one of the ornaments from its original manuscript; VII century bas-relief of biblical plot "Daniel in the Den of Lions" from Martvili Cathedral of Assumption of the Virgin Mary; The denomination numerals, letterings in Georgian and in English: "საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი", "NATIONAL BANK OF GEORGIA", "ასი ლარი" , "ONE HUNDRED LARI", "ეროვნული ბანკის პრეზიდენტი", The signature of the president of National Bank of Georgia, The issue date "2016", The serial number composed of two Roman letters and eight Arabic numeral
 

Banknotes issued before 2015

Front side
The portrait of Georgian artist Niko Pirosmanashvili (Pirosmani), with inscription: “Pirosmani 1862-1918”. Vine bas-reliefs. 

Front side
The portrait of Georgian Composer Zakaria Paliashvili and inscription: “Zakaria Paliashvili 1871-1933”. The left side features the overture notes of this opera “Abesalom and Eteri”.

Where to Exchange Currency

Upon arriving in Georgia, you will need to exchange your currency for Lari. You can do this at several locations. Banks offer reliable exchange services. Most banks operate from Monday to Friday, and some are open on Saturdays.

Currency exchange offices are also available in major cities and tourist areas. They often have longer operating hours, including weekends. Always check the exchange rates before making a transaction to ensure you get a fair deal.

Using Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Georgia, especially in urban areas. You can use them in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, cash is more commonly used.

Before traveling, inform your bank about your trip to avoid any issues with card transactions. Also, check if your bank charges foreign transaction fees to manage your expenses better.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available in Georgia, particularly in cities. They offer a convenient way to withdraw cash in the local currency. Most ATMs accept international cards, but it's a good idea to confirm this with your bank before traveling.

When using ATMs, be aware of any fees that may apply. Some ATMs charge a withdrawal fee, so it's wise to withdraw larger amounts to minimize these costs.

Tips for Managing Money in Georgia

Here are a few tips to manage your money effectively while in Georgia:

• Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and in areas where cards are not accepted.
• Use a money belt or secure wallet to keep your cash and cards safe.
• Be cautious when exchanging money on the street, as rates may not be favorable.

By understanding the Georgian currency and being prepared, you can enjoy your travels without financial stress. Whether you're exploring Tbilisi's vibrant streets or hiking in the stunning Caucasus mountains, having the right currency will enhance your experience.